SAN JOSE, Calif. – Midfielder Rose Lavelle scored in the 80th minute as Gotham FC edged out the Washington Spirit 1-0 to claim the 2025 NWSL Championship, giving Gotham their second title in three years.
How Gotham FC Defied the Odds as the No. 8 Seed
Gotham FC entered the playoffs as the No. 8 seed, the final playoff berth, yet defied the odds all the way to the title. Their journey included upsets of top-seeded clubs before the final showdown in San Jose.
In the championship match at PayPal Park, it took until the 80th minute for a breakthrough. Brazilian defender Bruninha’s deft footwork delivered a pass into Lavelle, who drilled a low shot past keeper Aubrey Kingsbury.
Lavelle was named Most Valuable Player of the match – her strike not only sealed the trophy but also added a major milestone to her decorated career.
A Tight Championship Battle Decided in a Single Moment
Head Coach Juan Carlos Amorós praised his squad’s resilience: “We worked so hard for this moment. Until the final whistle you’re trying to be a champion, and now we are.”
The match itself was a tight affair. Washington Spirit, buoyed by a strong season and playoff run, pressed hard but could not convert. A defensive lapse in the final minutes proved decisive.
What This Championship Means for Gotham FC and the NWSL
With this victory, Gotham FC joins an elite list in the NWSL, and does so in style as a true underdog story. They become the first eighth-seed club to capture the title in league history, underscoring a theme of perseverance and belief.
For Washington Spirit, it marks a second consecutive runner-up finish in the final. The club must now regroup and look ahead to 2026 with fresh tactics and renewed focus.
What’s Next for Gotham and Rose Lavelle
Fans will be watching how Gotham builds momentum from this victory – will they establish a dynasty? Meanwhile, Rose Lavelle’s performance adds another chapter to her legacy, and likely raises her profile for off-field endorsements and the USWNT.
Closing Thoughts
In a season filled with twists, Gotham FC proved that seed number doesn’t define destiny. With Rose Lavelle’s timely strike and a collective mindset built on resilience, the club captured its moment. For the fans, for the city, for the team, this championship will be remembered.
